Consistency has been rewarded for the Jason Warren trained mare Benedetta , who claimed her maiden Group One success in The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
In three other attempts at the highest level, the four-year-old mare had finished fourth, fourth and third, but today was her day under a perfect ride from hometown hero Jamie Kah, who took her second of four Group Ones over the Adelaide carnival.
Kah settled Benedetta ($6) midfield with cover and was able to take runs between horses in order to get to the wider lanes in the straight, holding off Stretan Angel ($31) by a Long Head with stablemate Climbing Star ($20) a further 1-1/2 lengths away in third.
This was just Group One win number two for Warren, who trained Bel Sprinter to win The Galaxy in 2013 and he said the post-race feeling was mainly relief.
“Just wanted to get the job done for the horse and she’s been so gallant in defeat in good races and just to get that group one under the belt is a big relief… I’m just so pleased for the horse and the connections, terrific,” Warren said.
Kah, who won last week’s Group 1 SA Derby (2500m) aboard Coco Sun, said the race panned out exactly as she had planned.
“It was exactly where I wanted to be, everything just happened perfectly for us. She’s a horse with so much talent and she’s just had things not go her way and today it was lined out perfectly for her,” Kah said.
Born in Adelaide, Kah is already looking forward to next year’s carnival, with the Oaks and Sangster left to complete the quartet of Adelaide Group Ones.
“It’s so special. I wanted that one group one and after one you want another one, you want to keep getting more and more. I’ve got a few more to beat Ben’s record for the Goodwood’s but I’ll be back next year!” Kah said.
Warren confirmed Benedetta is likely to press on to Queensland this campaign, with the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) her next target.